A good school is one that can work with a variety of students, including those with special needs. Your school should have an excellent special education program if your child needs special education and you may even want to consider a school designed specifically for students with special needs. Ask about testing and referral services, and ensure that teachers are well-educated about spotting trouble before it affects grades or behavior.
Look for a school with top-notch teachers. According to the Economic Policy Institute, teachers with advanced training and certification in their subjects of expertise produce better-prepared students. Teachers who engage with students as individuals, who check in with students regularly and who carefully monitor student progress make for a great school. Highly experienced teachers also generally have a leg up on their peers, so a school packed with veteran teachers may offer a better quality of education.
It's not just the academic life of a school that matters, but also the environment. A low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that every student gets individualized attention. Check for an anti-bullying policy and ensure that the school environment is safe. Teachers should not send students home with unfamiliar people and students should be carefully monitored throughout the day. A school that calls to check on absent students can help prevent truancy and alert parents to potential problems.
A wide variety of programs can improve the academic life of a school and ensure that each student gets an opportunity to excel. Look for after-school clubs and programs, sports teams and a wide variety of electives. An active science program with a science fair, participation in a local spelling bee and an emphasis on excellence in all areas can all signal a great school. Your child should have ample opportunity to pursue her unique gifts, whether they're in music, art, sports or science.
Parental involvement plays a key role in the success of a school. Ask about the school's parent-teacher organization and look for signs -- such as school bulletins, parent-sponsored activities and communication between parents -- that parents are involved in the life of the school. Open communication, regular conferences and activities for parents are all signs that a school values and nurtures parental involvement.